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Panthers bid for Wanderers rejected

A provocative bid from Penrith Panthers to buy A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers has been rejected by Football Federation Australia.

A provocative bid from Penrith Panthers to buy A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers has been rejected by Football Federation Australia.

The Panthers Group had formally registered its interest in buying their cross-code rivals. It is understood the intention was to form a 'super club' in western Sydney, with the plan to have both teams playing out of Centrebet Stadium in Penrith.

''We have been clear from day one that we want to identify the right owners who will respect the culture of the Wanderers and the western Sydney football community,'' FFA chief executive David Gallop, formerly the NRL boss, told Fairfax Media.

''We have given assurances to the fans that the name, colours and the key elements of the club will be enshrined in the sale process.

"Why would we think about selling the Wanderers to a club from another code? And equally you have to wonder why a club from another code would want to invest their money and spread their resources to build up a rival?

"I guess it all just shows what a powerhouse the Wanderers have become in the west of Sydney and Australian sport.''